Modular video camera system

ABSTRACT

Certain embodiments of the invention include a modular video camera system that can be adapted to mount to a number of different surfaces and perform a number of different functions. Some embodiments include a video camera housing having a front portion with a camera lens and infra-red (IR) emitter disposed thereon, a mounting apparatus to couple to and secure the camera system to a window pane such that the front portion of the housing faces the window pane, and a silicone-based compound, placed between the IR emitter and the window pane, that is translucent to IR light and prevents IR light from reflecting off of the window pane and into the camera lens. Some embodiments include a video camera system with a battery pack coupled to a base support having an orientation adjustment apparatus to prevent inadvertent adjustments to an orientation of the video camera system.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/583,870 entitled “MODULAR VIDEO CAMERA SYSTEM” filed May 1, 2017,which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for allpurposes. The following regular U.S. patent applications (including thisone) were filed previously, and the entire disclosure of the otherapplications are incorporated by reference into this application for allpurposes:

-   -   application Ser. No. 15/583,873, filed May 1, 2017, entitled        “ADJUSTABLE MODULAR ATTACHMENT FOR A VIDEO CAMERA SYSTEM”; and    -   application Ser. No. 15/583,875, filed May 1, 2017, entitled        “MODULAR COUPLING FOR A VIDEO CAMERA SYSTEM.”

BACKGROUND

Home security video cameras and web cameras (“web cams”) have come intoprominence in recent years as innovation in this sector has providedmany powerful enhancements, new capabilities, and improved fidelity.Some contemporary security and web cameras can have wireless access,wireless power, night vision (e.g., infra-red sensing), remote accessand control, improved video resolution, and advanced control features(e.g., automation).

Despite these improvements, some challenges remain. For instance, somemounting applications are not feasible with conventional designs due tocertain video artifacts. In some cases, wireless (i.e., battery powered)video cameras have a limited battery life, which typically requires atemporary removal of the mounted video camera for recharging. Removaland reinstallation of conventional battery powered video camerascommonly causes inadvertent adjustments to the video camera alignmentand orientation. These inefficiencies and inconveniences can be found ineven the most contemporary designs. While home security camera and webcam design continue to improve, better designs are needed.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In certain embodiments, a video camera system includes a camera housingand a camera lens disposed in the camera housing, where the camerahousing is operable to couple to a window mounting apparatus along aperimeter of the camera housing that is concentric with and radiallydisplaced from the camera lens, the window mounting apparatus to coupleto and secure the video camera system to a window pane, where the windowmounting apparatus is modular and detachable from the camera housing.The window mounting apparatus may couple to the window pane via asuction-element or adhesive and may include a release mechanism disposedon the window mounting apparatus to detach the video camera system froma window pane when the release mechanism is activated.

In some cases, the video camera system can include an infra-red (IR)light emitting diode (LED) disposed in the housing, where the videocamera system detects reflected IR light from the IR LED (“IR emitter”)via the camera lens for night vision capabilities. The video camerasystem can further include an IR-translucent compound coupled to thecamera housing, where when the window mounting apparatus couples thecamera system to the window pane, the compound can be configured in aspace between the IR emitter and the window pane such that IR lightemitted from the IR emitter passes through the silicone-based compoundto the window pane. Alternatively or additionally, the IR-translucentcompound can be coupled to the mounting apparatus.

In further embodiments, the camera housing can include a plurality ofconcentric electrical traces disposed in the back side of the camera, ahousing, and a notched mounting apparatus disposed on the back side ofthe camera housing, where the notched mounting apparatus is operable toreceive and secure a modular attachment to the camera housing such thatthe modular attachment is mechanically and rotatably coupled to thecamera housing, and where one or more of the concentric electricaltraces are configured to contact one or more electrical contacts of themodular attachment and remain in contact with the one or more electricalcontacts as the camera housing is rotated with respect to the modularattachment.

In some cases, the modular attachment can be a battery pack thatelectrically and rotatably couples to the camera housing via one or moreof the concentric electrical traces and the notched mounting apparatus,respectively. The battery pack may further include a base supportincluding a ball-and-socket joint providing a range of motion for thebase support and a tongue fixed to the ball-and-socket joint andextending therefrom, where the slot is configured to receive the tonguesuch that the battery pack couples and secures to the base support, andwhere an orientation of the battery pack with respect to the basesupport is adjustable according to the range of motion of theball-and-socket joint. The modular attachment may be a power moduleincluding a cable and adaptor to couple to a wall outlet.

In certain embodiments, a video camera system includes a camera housinghaving a front portion, the front portion including a camera lensdisposed on the front portion and an infra-red (IR) emitter disposed onthe front portion, the IR emitter to emit IR light, a mounting apparatusto couple to and secure the camera system to a window pane such that thefront portion of the camera housing faces the window pane, and acompound that is translucent to IR light coupled to the camera housing,where when the mounting apparatus couples the camera system to thewindow pane, the compound can be configured between the IR emitter andthe window pane such that IR light emitted from the IR emitter passesthrough the silicone-based compound to the window pane. The compound maybe a non-conductive, silicone-based compound. The compound can preventIR light from reflecting off of the window pane and into the cameralens. In some cases, the mounting apparatus includes a micro-suctionsystem to couple to and secure the camera system to the window pane.Further, the compound can include a border that is opaque to IR lightsuch that non-reflected IR light emitted from the IR emitter is blockedfrom illuminating the camera lens. The border on the compound mayinclude a black pigmentation.

In some cases, the video camera system may further a processor tocontrol an operation of the camera lens and the IR emitter. In somecases, the mounting apparatus may be coupled to the camera housing. Whenthe silicone-based compound is configured between the IR emitter and thewindow pane, the compound can create a seal between the IR emitter andthe compound and between the window pane and the compound such that nointervening air gaps are traversed for at least a portion of any emittedIR light reaching the window pane. The compound may be coupled to and incontact with the IR emitter and the window pane when the compound isconfigured between the IR emitter and the window pane. The compound maycoupled to the camera housing and/or the mounting apparatus.

In certain embodiments, a video camera system can include a camerahousing and a camera lens disposed in the camera housing, where thecamera housing is operable to couple to a window mounting apparatusalong a perimeter of the camera housing that is concentric with andradially displaced from the camera lens, the window mounting apparatusto couple to and secure the video camera system to a window pane.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanyingfigures.

FIG. 1 shows a modular video camera system, according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a simplified diagram illustrating an abstractedrepresentation of some common components in a modular video camerasystem, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of a modular video camera system showing anumber of optional modular attachments, according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 4A shows a modular video camera system in a wall-mountedconfiguration, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 4B shows a modular video camera system in a surface-mountedconfiguration, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 4C shows a modular video camera system with a battery pack in aself-supporting configuration, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 4D shows a battery pack for a modular video camera system,according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 4E shows a modular video camera system in a window-mountedconfiguration, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 4F shows a modular video camera system in a wall socket-mountedconfiguration, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 5A shows a front side of a modular video camera system housing,according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 5B shows a back side of a modular video camera system housing,according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 6 shows how one or more contacts from a base unit remains inelectrical contact with a concentric trace on a video camera systemhousing as the housing is rotated, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a simplified block diagram of system configured to operate amodular video camera system, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 8 shows a modular video camera system with a battery pack,according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 9 shows aspects of a battery pack for a modular video camerasystem, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 10 shows aspects of a locking mechanism for a battery pack in amodular video camera system, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 11 shows an abstracted representation of a window mounting modulefor a modular video camera system, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 12 shows an exploded view of a window mounting module for a modularvideo camera system, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 13 shows operational aspects of a window-mounted modular videocamera system using night vision, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 14 shows operational aspects of a window-mounted modular videocamera system using night vision, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 15 shows aspects of an improved window-mounted modular video camerasystem using night vision, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 16 shows aspects of an improved window-mounted modular video camerasystem using night vision, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 17 shows aspects of an improved window-mounted modular video camerasystem using night vision, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 18 shows aspects of an enhancement to improve night vision in awindow-mounted modular video camera system, according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 19 shows aspects of an enhancement to improve night vision in awindow-mounted modular video camera system, according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 20 shows aspects of an enhancement to improve night vision in awindow-mounted modular video camera system, according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 21 shows aspects of a modular video camera system with stagedfriction levels, according to certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the invention relate generally to video camera systems. Morespecifically, certain embodiments include a configurable, modular videocamera system that can be used, e.g., for home security, web-basedcommunications, and the like.

In the following description, various embodiments of a modular videocamera system will be described. For purposes of explanation, specificconfigurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to oneskilled in the art that certain embodiments may be practiced withoutevery disclosed detail. Furthermore, well-known features may be omittedor simplified in order not to obscure the embodiments described herein.

Certain embodiments of the invention include a modular video camerasystem that can be adapted to mount to a number of different surfacesand perform a number of different functions. For instance, someembodiments may include a battery pack with a novel coupling apparatus,a window pane mount with night vision enhancement, various surface mountinterfaces, and a host of other modular solutions.

In some embodiments, a video camera housing for a modular video camerasystem has a front portion with a camera lens and infra-red (IR) emitterdisposed thereon, a mounting apparatus to couple to and secure themodular video camera system to a window pane such that the front portionof the housing faces the window pane, and a silicone-based compound,placed between the IR emitter and the window pane, that is translucentto IR light and prevents IR light from reflecting off of the window paneand into the camera lens. Some aspects of a window pane mounting systemare shown and described with respect to FIGS. 3 and 11-20.

Certain embodiments may include a battery pack for a modular videocamera system that is coupled to a base support having an orientationadjustment apparatus to prevent inadvertent adjustments to anorientation of the modular video camera system when removing andremounting the battery pack. The battery pack can include a slotdisposed therein to receive a tongue fixed to a ball-and-socket jointextending from the base support, where the tongue/slot apparatusoperates to secure the battery pack to the base support, while alsopreventing any inadvertent movement of the ball-and-socket joint whenthe battery pack is removed and reattached to the base support. Thetongue can be secured in the slot by a shaft or securing mechanismdisposed in the battery pack. Some aspects of a battery pack are shownand described with respect to FIGS. 8-10.

In further embodiments, a camera housing can be rotatably coupled to abase unit in a modular video camera system such that the camera housingcan rotate with respect to the base unit on an axis. The base unit mayinclude a shaft (e.g., tongue) extending from an adjustable apparatus(e.g., ball-and-socket joint) that can rotate over a range of motionwith a shaft (e.g., tongue) extending therefrom, where the shaft can beinserted and removed from the slot of the base unit to couple anddecouple the base support from the base unit. Each of the couplings mayhave include a particular amount of force to cause the various modularcomponents to rotate, detach/reattach, and the like. In someembodiments, each of the respective forces can be configured to increasefrom the front of the modular video camera system to the back, such thatadjustments made toward the front of the modular video camera system(e.g., rotating the housing) do not cause any movement or adjustment toadjacent components configured toward the back of the modular videocamera system. For example, some embodiments may be configured such thata minimum force to rotate the camera housing with respect to the baseunit is less than a minimum force to insert or remove the shaft of thebase support from the slot of the base unit such that rotating thecamera housing does not cause the shaft to be inserted or removed fromthe slot. This concept is further discussed below with respect to FIG.21.

Modular Video Camera System with Versatile Capabilities

FIG. 1 shows a modular video camera system (“camera system”) 100,according to certain embodiments. Camera system 100 can be adapted toreceive a variety of modular attachments including wall mounts, wallsocket mounts, window pane mounts, battery packs, and the like, asfurther discussed below. Camera system 100 can change a mode ofoperation based on the type of attachment coupled to it. For example, ifa hard-wired power supply (see, e.g., FIG. 4A) is coupled to camerahousing (e.g., housing 310), then a high performance mode of operationmay commence with higher video resolution, continuous audio scanning(via a microphone) to pick up user voice commands, continuous motiondetection, or the like, as would be understood by one of ordinary skillin the art. In contrast, if a battery pack is coupled to the housing,some functions can be turned off to conserve energy. For instance,camera system 100 may switch to a lower resolution video mode ortemporarily shut down any non-essential image capture functionality asbattery levels decrease. One of ordinary skill in the art wouldunderstand the many variations, modifications, applications, andalternative embodiments thereof.

FIG. 2 shows a simplified diagram illustrating an abstractedrepresentation of some common components in a modular video camerasystem 200, according to certain embodiments. Camera system 200 caninclude a housing 210, cover 240, and base unit 250. Housing 210 mayinclude lens 220 and electrical coupling interface 230. Housing 210 mayinclude additional features (not shown), such as LEDs (e.g., visible andinfra-red), light sensors, microphones, speakers, input/output (I/O)pins, input jacks, electrical contacts (e.g., traces), or the like.Housing 210 is further discussed below in more detail with respect toFIGS. 5A-5B.

Cover 240 can perform a variety of functions, according to certainembodiments. For instance, in some window pane mounts, cover 240 can bean anchor point to couple a micro-suction ring. With a hard-wired wallmount, cover 240 may simply function as an aesthetic covering. Somefurther examples are discussed below at least with respect to FIGS.4A-4F.

Base unit 250 is typically configured to secure housing 210 to asurface, according to certain embodiments. For instance, base unit 250may include a cone backing mounted on a ball-and-socket jointed base, a120 V socket interface, a tri-pod assembly, or the like. Theball-and-socket may include threaded/fixed hardware, a quick-releasetongue apparatus (see, e.g., FIGS. 8-10), or the like. Further examplesof base units are presented in FIGS. 4A-4F. It should be noted that baseunit 250 is shown to include two components including a backing coupledto housing 210 and a support apparatus. In such cases, the backing(e.g., portion coupled directly to housing 210) can be referred to asthe “base unit,” and the component that couples the base unit to asurface, wall, power outlet, etc., can be referred to as the “basesupport.”

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of a modular video camera system 300 witha number of optional modular attachments, according to certainembodiments. Housing 310 includes lens 320 and electrical couplinginterface 330. Many different types of front-side and back-sideattachments can be coupled to housing 310 in a modular fashion,according to certain embodiments. On the front-side, cover 340 can be anaesthetic shell or covering. Alternatively or additionally, cover 340can constitute a portion of, or be integrated with, one of the modularattachments (embodiment not shown). Referring back to FIG. 3, a windowpane mounting apparatus 341 can include a cover ring 344 and mountingring 342. In some embodiments, cover ring 344 couples to housing 310 andprovides an anchor point for mounting ring 342. Mounting ring 342 maycouple to a glass surface (or any preferably transparent surface) via amicro-suction disc (“micro-suction system”). Any suitable vacuum-basedmounting apparatus may be used. Alternatively or additionally, anadhesive (e.g., glue, tape, etc.) can be used to couple mounting ring342 to the target surface. Certain embodiments of a window pane mountingapparatus are further discussed below with respect to FIGS. 11-20. Otherfront-side attachments to housing 310 are possible, including variouslenses, different LED arrays (e.g., visible or infra-red spectrum),visors (e.g., to block the sun in outdoor settings), or the like. One ofordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure wouldunderstand the many variations, modifications, and alternativeembodiments thereof.

A host of different types of base units can be coupled to the rear sideof housing 310. For instance, base unit (“cone”) 350A can bemechanically coupled to housing 310 via one or more notched regions, asfurther discussed below with respect to FIGS. 5A-5B, and electricallycoupled to housing 310 via electrical coupling interface 330 andelectrical contacts 351. Cone 350A may be mounted to a surface or wallby any suitable apparatus. Referring to FIG. 3, cone 350A can be mountedto base unit 352 via a threaded screw attached to a ball-and-socketjoint 353, which is then coupled to a wall or other surface via surfacemount 354 and hardware 355.

In another implementation, base unit (“battery pack”) 350B can be bothmechanically and electrically coupled to housing 310, as furtherdiscussed below with respect to FIGS. 8-10. Alternatively, housing 310can be coupled directly to a wall socket via base unit (“wall socketmount”) 350C and electrical contacts 358. Many alternative modularconfigurations are possible. A variety of non-limiting examples ofdifferent modular configurations for a modular video camera system arepresented in FIGS. 4A-4F.

FIG. 4A shows a modular video camera system 410 in a wall-mountedconfiguration, according to certain embodiments. Camera system 410includes a hard-wired conical base unit that is fixed to a wall. Thehousing and base unit may be coupled via a fixed connection (e.g.,threaded screw), via a ball-and-socket assembly, or the like. The baseunit can be fixed to the wall (or any surface) via any suitable couplingmethod (e.g., hardware including screws or pins, an adhesive, etc.).

FIG. 4B shows a modular video camera system 420 in a surface-mountedconfiguration, according to certain embodiments. Similar to FIG. 4A,camera system 420 includes a hard-wired conical base unit that isconfigured on a surface. The housing and base unit may be coupled via afixed connection (e.g., threaded screw), via a ball-and-socket assembly(as shown), or the like. The base unit may rest on the surface or can becoupled to the surface via any suitable coupling method (e.g., hardwareor adhesive).

FIG. 4C shows a modular video camera system 430 with a battery pack in aself-standing configuration, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 4Dshows a rear view of a base unit (“battery pack”) 440 for a modularvideo camera system, according to certain embodiments. Battery pack 440may include a flat bottom portion to rest on a surface. Alternatively oradditionally, battery pack 440 can include various attachments orinterfaces to mount battery pack 440 (and a corresponding housing) to asurface. Referring to FIG. 4D, a threaded hole is shown to receive ascrew from a fixed surface mount fixture, from a tripod mount, or thelike. In some embodiments, battery pack 440 can also include a chargingport and a slot to receive a tongue from a ball-and-socket-based baseunit, as further discussed below with respect to FIGS. 8-10.

FIG. 4E shows a modular video camera system 450 in a window-mountedconfiguration, according to certain embodiments. In some cases, ahousing in camera system 450 can be coupled to a window pane via vacuum(e.g., micro-suction device), adhesive, or other suitable couplingmethod. Camera system 450 is shown with a hard-wired base unit (“powercone”), however some implementations may use a battery pack or otherbase unit, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 4F shows a modular video camera system 460 in a wall socket-mountedconfiguration, according to certain embodiments. The base unit includesa plug for receiving power directly from a wall socket. Any type of wallsocket attachment can be used (e.g., Type A-Type O) over any suitablevoltage range.

Modular Video Camera Housing

FIG. 5A shows aspects of a housing for a modular video camera system,according to certain embodiments. Camera system 500 can include housing510 with a number of components disposed thereon, which may includecamera lens 520, infra-red (IR) emitter 522, ambient light sensor 524,passive IR sensor 526, and LED ring 528. Some embodiments may includefewer or more components, such as speakers, microphones, additionalLEDs, and the like. One of ordinary skill in the art would understandthe many variations, modifications, and alternative embodiments thereof.

Housing 510 is shown having a disk shape, according to certainembodiments. However, any suitable shape and size can be used. Housing510 can house one or more processors, printed circuit boards (PCBs),and/or any other supporting electronics for the modular video camerasystem (e.g., camera system 300). For example, housing 510 may housesome or all aspects of system 700 of FIG. 7, as further discussed below.Housing 510 may be comprised of any suitable material includingthermoplastic elastomers (TPE), PVC, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU),silicone-based compounds, rubber-based compounds (e.g., vulcanizedrubber), metal (e.g., aluminum), polycarbonates, or other suitablematerial, as would be known by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Lens 520 can be of any suitable image sensor technology including, butnot limited to, complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-based andcharge-coupled device (CCD) cameras. In some embodiments, multiplelenses can be used and each may be individually controlled (e.g., viaprocessor 710). Alternatively or additionally, lens 520 can be focusedand directed (e.g., aimed) via software (e.g., via aspects of system 700or variants thereof) that controls optical characteristics of lens 520.

Ambient light sensor 524 can be configured to detect ambient lightlevels, which can be used to control one or more modes of operation,according to certain embodiments. For example, when ambient light levelsare determined to be sufficiently low, the camera system may increasethe image brightness, or switch from daytime mode to night vision mode(e.g., using IR light detection). In some cases, the brightness of LEDring 528 may change based on a detected ambient light level. Forinstance, in some power saving configurations, LED ring 528 may bebrighter with sufficiently high ambient light levels, and dimmer withlittle to no ambient light. In some aspects, ambient light sensor 524may also function as a motion sensor to detect motion (e.g., in front ofthe camera) based on the detected ambient light (e.g., changes in light,shadows, etc.). In further embodiments, motion detection may not beincluded, or may be implemented in a separate stand-alone device. One ofordinary skill in the art would understand the many variations,modifications, and alternative embodiments thereof.

IR emitter 522 can be an IR light emitting diode (LED) to illuminate anarea in front of the camera system (e.g., lens 520) using IR light. Insome cases, multiple IR emitters can be used. Visible light emitters maybe used to illuminate an area in visible light, but typically are notincluded as natural light (e.g., the sun) or artificial light (e.g.,light bulbs) provide sufficient illumination during normal use, and IRemitter(s) 522 provide sufficient IR light when night vision is enabled.

Passive IR sensor 526 can be configured to detect IR light, according tocertain embodiments. For example, passive IR sensor 526 may detect lightemitted by IR emitter(s) 522 (e.g., directly or indirectly byreflection). In some embodiments, passive IR sensor 526 may furtherperform motion detection for night vision applications, as would beunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 5B shows aspects of a back side of housing 510 for a modular videocamera system, according to certain embodiments. Housing 510 can includeelectrical coupling interface 530 and notches 539. Electrical couplinginterface 530 can include a number of concentric and independentelectrical traces (“concentric traces”) that can couple to one or morepins on a base unit (e.g., see pins 351 of base unit 350A in FIG. 3).The concentric traces may be electrically configured in any suitablemanner (e.g., the traces can be internally coupled together, routed todifferent components, busses, ports, and the like). Referring to FIG.5B, eight traces (e.g., traces 531-538) are shown and can be configuredto receive or output any suitable signal including, but not limited to,data lines (e.g., USB data +, USB data −), power lines (e.g., power +,power −), electrical ground lines, general purpose input/output (“I/O”)lines, or may be floating (e.g., unused). Some embodiments may includemultiple voltage lines (e.g., 12 V and 5 V), additional data lines,auxiliary outputs, and the like. One of ordinary skill in the art wouldunderstand the many variations, modifications, and alternativeembodiments thereof.

Notches 539 may operate to secure a base unit to the back of housing510, while still allowing the base unit to rotate freely with respect tohousing 510, according to certain embodiments. The notch width,location, dimensions, and the like, can dictate what types ofattachments can be rotatably coupled to housing 510. For example, afirst camera system may be designed for indoor use only, and a secondcamera system may be suitable for both outdoor and indoor use (e.g., thesecond camera may include a more rugged, waterproof housing, betteroptics, etc.). In some embodiments, notches 539 may be designed in thefirst camera to only allow indoor-type accessories (e.g., base units,lens upgrades, etc.) to attach to it, while the second camera may havenotches that allow both indoor and outdoor attachments (e.g.,telescoping lenses, visors, etc.) to couple thereto for greater modularflexibility. In another example, some lower end camera systems (e.g.,lower resolution imaging, fewer operational features, or lower qualityconstruction, etc.) may have notches 539 configured such that onlysimilarly graded attachments (e.g., base units, attachablespeakers/microphones, etc.) can be rotatably coupled to the housing(while higher-graded compounds cannot), while certain higher end camerasystems (e.g., high resolution cameras, richer feature selection, etc.)may have notches 539 configured such that no restrictions with respectto attachments apply (e.g., any attachment regardless of quality can berotatably coupled to housing 510). One of ordinary skill in the art withthe benefit of this disclosure would understand the many variations,modifications, and alternative embodiments thereof.

The combination of the concentric electrical traces of electricalcoupling interface 530 and notches 539 provide the advantage of allowinga base unit to be mechanically and rotatably coupled to housing 510, andelectrically coupled to one or more concentric traces of electricalcoupling interface 530, such that the electrical contact between the oneor more pins of the base unit and the corresponding concentric tracesare not broken when the base unit is rotated with respect to housing510, as shown in FIG. 6. Note that as housing 510 and/or a base unit arerotated with respect to each other, the physical and electrical contactbetween the pins of the base unit and housing 510 remain in contact. Byway of illustration, FIG. 6 shows how housing 610 can rotate withrespect to base unit 650 while still maintaining electrical contactbetween base unit pins 651 and corresponding concentric traces 632,according to certain embodiments.

As indicated above, housing 510 is configured to be coupled to differentcomponents on the back (e.g., see base units of FIGS. 4A-4F) that havedifferent electrical connections (e.g., using different combinations ofbase unit pins and concentric traces). These different combinations ofpins and traces can be used (e.g., by processor 710) to determinefunctionality in the camera system. As indicated above, the notches canalso be used to restrict and/or enable certain accessories from couplingto housing 510. On the front side of housing 510, different lenses,window mounts, etc., can be coupled to housing 510. In some embodiments,the myriad types of base units, accessories, and attachments may becoupled to housing 510 in a manner that is in axial alignment with lens520. For example, a center of lens 520 can define a central axis thatsome or all components (e.g., base units, window mounts) are mounted onhousing 510 such that they are axially aligned with lens 520.

System for Operating Aspects of a Modular Video Camera System

FIG. 7 is a simplified block diagram of system 700 configured to operatea modular video camera system, according to certain embodiments. System700 can include processor(s) 710, camera controller 720, powermanagement system 730, communication system 740, and memory array 750.Each of system blocks 720-750 can be in electrical communication withprocessor(s) 710. System 700 may include more or fewer systems, as wouldbe appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, and are not shown ordiscussed to prevent obfuscation of the novel features described herein.System blocks 720-750 may be implemented as separate modules, oralternatively, two or more system blocks may be combined in a singlemodule. For instance, some or all of system blocks 720-750 may besubsumed by processor(s) 710. System 700 and variants thereof can beused to operate the camera mounting devices described and depictedthroughout this disclosure (e.g., FIGS. 1-6 and 8-21). It should beunderstood that references to specific camera systems when describingaspects of system 700 are provided for explanatory purposes and shouldnot be interpreted as limiting to any particular embodiment. System 700can be contained in housing 510 in whole or in part, as would beunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

In certain embodiments, processor(s) 710 may include one or moremicroprocessors (μCs) and may control the operation of system 700.Alternatively, processor(s) 710 may include one or more microcontrollers(MCUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or the like, with supportinghardware and/or firmware (e.g., memory, programmable I/Os, etc.), aswould be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. In someembodiments, processor(s) 710 may be configured to control aspects ofcharging controls, media controls, and the like.

Camera controller 720 may be configured to control aspects of a modularvideo camera system for any of the embodiments shown and described, atleast in FIGS. 1-6 and 8-21, according to certain embodiments. In someaspects, camera controller 720 may control lens 520 operations includingfocus control, zoom control, movement control (e.g., individual movementof the lens), or the like. In some implementations, camera controller720 can receive sensor data including ambient visible light detection,ambient IR light detection, audio data (e.g., from an on-boardmicrophone), or the like.

In some embodiments, camera controller 720 can control the image qualitygenerated by a modular video camera system (300). For example, the imagequality of still images or video can be reduced (e.g., low-definition)when low-bandwidth conditions exist, and increased (e.g.,high-definition) when high-bandwidth conditions exist. One of ordinaryskill in the art would understand the many variations, modifications,and alternative embodiments thereof.

Memory array 750 can store information such as camera controlparameters, communication parameters, or the like. Memory array 750 maystore one or more software programs to be executed by processors (e.g.,processor(s) 710). It should be understood that “software” can refer tosequences of instructions that, when executed by processor(s), causesystem 700 to perform certain operations of software programs. Theinstructions can be stored as firmware residing in read-only memory(ROM) and/or applications stored in media storage that can be read intomemory for processing by processing devices (processor(s) 710). Softwarecan be implemented as a single program or a collection of separateprograms and can be stored in non-volatile storage and copied in wholeor in-part to volatile working memory during program execution. Memoryarray 750 can include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory(ROM), long term storage (e.g., hard drive, optical drive, etc.), andthe like, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Power management system 730 can be configured to manage powerdistribution between systems (blocks 710-750), mode operations, powerefficiency, and the like, for the various modular video camera systemdescribed herein. In some embodiments, power management system 730 caninclude one or more energy storage devices (e.g., batteries—not shown),a recharging system for the battery (e.g., using a USB cable), powermanagement devices (e.g., voltage regulators), or the like. In certainembodiments, the functions provided by power management system 730 maybe incorporated into processor(s) 710. An energy storage device can beany suitable rechargeable energy storage device including, but notlimited to, NiMH, NiCd, lead-acid, lithium-ion, lithium-ion polymer, andthe like. Alternatively or additionally, energy storage devices can behoused in certain base units, such as base unit 440 of FIG. 4D. Energystorage devices may be recharged via a cable (e.g., USB cable, datacable, dedicated power supply cable, etc.), or inductive power coupling.

Communication system 740 can be configured to provide wired (e.g., via apower/data cable) and/or wireless communication between camera system300 and one or more external computing devices, peripheral devices,remote servers, local or remotely located routing devices, or the like.Some non-limiting examples of communication between camera mountingdevice and an external computing device can include camera controloperations, communicating status updates including memory capacity andusage, operational properties (e.g., camera specifications, mode ofoperation, etc.) and the like. Communications system 740 can beconfigured to provide radio-frequency (RF), Bluetooth, infra-red,ZigBee, or other suitable communication protocol to communicate withother computing devices. In some embodiments, a data cable can be a USBcable, FireWire cable, or other cable to enable bi-directionalelectronic communication between video camera system 300 and an externalcomputing device. Some embodiments may utilize different types of cablesor connection protocol standards to establish hardwired or wirelesscommunication with other entities.

Although certain necessary systems may not expressly discussed, theyshould be considered as part of system 700, as would be understood byone of ordinary skill in the art. For example, system 700 may include abus system to transfer power and/or data to and from the differentsystems therein.

It should be appreciated that system 700 is illustrative and thatvariations and modifications are possible. System 700 can have othercapabilities not specifically described herein. Further, while system700 is described with reference to particular blocks (710-750), it is tobe understood that these blocks are defined for convenience ofdescription and are not intended to imply a particular physicalarrangement of component parts. Further, the blocks need not correspondto physically distinct components. Blocks can be configured to performvarious operations, e.g., by programming a processor or providingappropriate control circuitry, and various blocks may or may not bereconfigurable depending on how the initial configuration is obtained.

Quick Release Battery Pack

FIG. 8 shows aspects of a battery module for a modular video camerasystem 800, according to certain embodiments. Camera system 800 caninclude housing 810 having lens 820, electrical coupling interface 830(e.g., including concentric electrical traces), and notches 839 (notshown), cover 840, base unit 850, base support 860 or alternatively basesupport 870.

Housing 810 can be electrically and rotatably coupled to base unit 850,as described above with respect to FIG. 5B. Base unit (“battery pack”)850 can include a number of electrical contacts (not shown) that maycouple to and maintain electrical contact with certain concentricelectrical traces of housing 810 as housing 810 is rotated. Battery pack850 can include one or more energy storage devices (e.g., batteries)disposed inside to provide power to camera system 800 without the needof a hard-wired power cable. In some embodiments, battery pack 850 mayhave a substantially flat-bottomed design such that it can sit securelyon a surface without rolling away. Alternatively or additionally,battery pack 850 can include a threaded sleeve 965 (see FIG. 9) toreceive base support 860 (e.g., a tri-pod or other suitable supportmechanism), which can be fixed (e.g., via threaded screw) or adjustable(e.g., threaded screw extending from a ball-and-socket joint). Infurther embodiments, battery pack 850 can include slot 855 to receive ashaft (e.g., tongue) 890 extending from ball-and-socket joint 880 ofbase support 870. Ball-and-socket joint 880 may be adjustable over arange of motion, as shown. The range of motion can vary by design, aswould be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 9 shows additional aspects of battery pack 850, according tocertain embodiments. Battery pack 850 can include a threaded sleeve 865to receive a threaded screw and a corresponding base support (870). Insome embodiments, battery pack 850 can include charging port 857, whichcan be configured to accommodate any suitable communication protocol(e.g., USB, FireWire, etc.) that can provide power to recharge the oneor more energy storage devices disposed in battery pack 850. In someembodiments, battery pack 850 may further include slot 855 to receivetongue 890 of base support 870. Tongue 890 can be fixed and may extendfrom the ball-and-socket joint 880 of base support 870. In some cases,slot 855 can receive tongue 890 to couple and secure battery pack 850 tobase support 870 such that an orientation of battery pack 850 withrespect to base support 870 is adjustable according to the range ofmotion of ball-and-socket joint 880. The tongue can be interchangeablyreferred to as a “shaft.”

In certain embodiments, tongue 890 can be held inside slot 855 by amechanical friction such that a first friction has to be overcome by afirst force to insert and remove tongue 890 from slot 855. In someembodiments, the first friction may range from 0.9-1.15 kgf, howeverother ranges are possible, as would be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art. In some cases, ball-and-socket joint 880 of basesupport 870 may have a second friction that has to be overcome by asecond force in order to rotate ball-and-socket joint 880 along itsrange of motion. In such embodiments, the second friction can be greaterthan the first friction such that coupling (inserting) or decoupling(removing) battery pack 850 from base support 870 (via tongue 890/slot855) with a force greater than the first friction and less than thesecond friction does not cause the ball-and-socket joint to rotate. Thiscan be desirable if, for example, camera system 800 is configured in apreferred orientation and the user does not want the orientation tochange when battery pack 850 (along with housing 810) is frequentlyremoved and re-inserted for recharging sessions. This is furtherdiscussed below with respect to FIG. 21.

FIG. 10 shows aspects of various securing mechanisms for battery pack850 in a modular video camera system 800, according to certainembodiments. Battery pack 850 can include slot 855 to receive tongue 890of base support 870, in addition to other modular attachments, as wouldbe understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In some cases,different locking or securing mechanisms can be used to hold tongue 890inside slot 855 with varying amounts of force. For instance, someimplementations may use a shaft disposed within battery pack 850 andconfigured perpendicular to slot 855 (e.g., shafts 858 and 859). Shaft858 can include a fixed insert with a spring loaded pin or protrusionthat can be configured to engage with a hole or concavity on tongue 890to provide an additional force to secure battery pack 850 to basesupport 870. For the purpose of clarification, the coupling betweenshaft 858 and tongue 890 can be similar to that of a socket coupled to asocket wrench. In that case, a socket is guided onto a socket wrenchdrive square and held in place by a spring loaded protrusion theprovides a force to hold the socket in place. Shaft 858 and tongue 890can work in a similar manner.

Alternatively or additionally, shaft 859 can be used to provide a moreenduring or locked connection between tongue 890 and slot 855. Shaft 859may be configured to receive a threaded screw that may engage tongue 890to temporarily lock battery pack 850 to base support 870. For example,tongue 890 may have a hole or concavity to receive the threaded screw,such that tongue 890 cannot be moved without backing out or removing thescrew. Locking battery pack 850 to base support 870 may prevent unwantedremoval (e.g., by an inadvertent contact) or theft. In some embodiments,shaft 859 may be similar to threaded sleeve 865. In that case, threadedsleeve can serve multiple purposes including receiving base support 860or receiving a locking screw to secure tongue 890 within slot 855. Oneof ordinary skill in the art would understand the many variations,modifications, and alternative embodiments thereof.

Window-Mounted Video Camera System

FIG. 11 shows aspects of a window mounting apparatus for a modular videocamera system 1100, according to certain embodiments. Camera system 1100can include housing 1110 with lens 1120, cover 1140, window mountingmodule (“mounting apparatus”) 1145, and base unit 1150, in addition toother modular attachments, as would be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art.

Housing 1110 can be electrically and rotatably coupled to base unit1150, as described above with respect to FIG. 5B. Base unit 1150 caninclude a number of electrical contacts (not shown) that may couple toand maintain contact with certain concentric electrical traces ofhousing 1110 as housing 1110 is rotated (see, e.g., FIG. 6). Base unit1150 can be any suitable modular attachment including hardwiredcone-type attachments (see, e.g., FIG. 4E), wireless attachments (see,e.g., battery pack 440 of FIG. 4D), or the like. One of ordinary skillin the art would understand the many variations, modifications, andalternative embodiments thereof.

Cover 1140 and mounting apparatus 1145 may be separate entities or maybe integrated into a single mounting apparatus. In some embodiments,cover 1140 may serve as an ornamental covering for housing 1110, or mayfunction as an interface to couple mounting apparatus 1145 with housing1110. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand the manyvariations, modifications, and alternative embodiments thereof.

FIG. 12 shows an exploded view of a window mounting apparatus formodular video camera system 1200, according to certain embodiments.Camera system 1200 includes housing 1210, cover 1240, base unit 1250,and mounting apparatus 1245, which may include housing interface 1242and mounting ring 1244. In some aspects, mounting ring 1244 may includea micro-suction disk 1246 and manual release aperture 1248.

As shown in FIG. 12, mounting ring 1244 is coupled to housing 1210 viahousing interface 1242. In some embodiments, mounting ring 1244 andhousing interface 1242 may be integrated into a single component, or canbe further combined with cover 1240. Mounting ring 1244 can be coupledto a window via micro-suction disk 1246, which can provide a strongenough vacuum seal to support the weight of camera system 1200. Manualrelease aperture 1248 can be accessed to lift and remove camera system1200 from a window (i.e., break a vacuum seal between micro-suction disk1246 and a window pane). Other types of manual release apertures maybeemployed. For example, a button, notch, bubble, or other feature may beconfigured such that it can be pushed against the window pane to releasethe suction coupling between micro-suction disk 1246 and thecorresponding window. In some cases, there may simply be an opening toreceive a screwdriver, knife, fingernail, or other tool to pry themounting ring off of the window and break the vacuum seal. In suchcases, it can be more apt to refer to the release aperture as a “releasemechanism,” which may be used interchangeably throughout this document,with the understanding that both refer to a feature that allows a userto decouple the modular video camera system from a window pane. In someaspects, different window interfaces can be used including othervacuum-based solutions (e.g., suction cups), adhesive (tape or glue), orthe combination thereof. One of ordinary skill in the art wouldunderstand the many variations, modifications, and alternativeembodiments.

Night Vision on Window-Mounted Video Camera Systems

Some higher end contemporary video camera systems include some type ofnight-vision capability that typically involves the use of IR light(invisible to human sight) for image capture and, in some systems,motion capture capabilities in low-light environments. One problem withcontemporary night vision systems (e.g., placed indoors and facing outof a window pane) is that IR light (typically emitted by the camerasystem) is reflected off the window pane and back into the camera lens,which can cause significant interference and reduce the quality of thedetected image. Certain embodiments of the invention can significantlyreduce or eliminate this problem.

FIG. 13 shows aspects of modular video camera system 1300 mounted towindow pane 1395, according to certain embodiments. Camera system 1300can include housing 1310, base unit 1350 rotatably and electricallycoupled to housing 1310, mounting apparatus 1345, and window pane 1395.Housing 1310 can include lens 1320 and IR emitter 1322. IR emitter 1322is typically a high-powered light emitting diode (LED) to illuminate anarea in front of housing 1310 in IR light. Lens 1320 can detect imagesand, in some embodiments, motion based on the IR light that bounces offvarious objects, surfaces, etc., and reflects back into lens 1320.Unlike ambient visible light, which can be produced by many sources(e.g., the sun, light bulbs, fire, moonlight, etc.), IR light istypically not naturally present in an ambient setting, so night visioncan be dependent, in large part, to detecting the IR light originatingfrom IR emitter 1322. In some embodiments, two or more IR emitters canbe used. In some cases, IR emitter(s) 1322 may be integrated withhousing 1310, separate from housing 1310 (e.g., a standalone IR LEDcircuit), and a combination thereof (e.g., in arrays of multiple IRLEDs). Note that the dimensions of FIG. 13 (and FIGS. 15-17) are not toscale (e.g., lens 1320 would typically be much closer to window pane1395) and are presented in this manner for explanatory purposes.

Referring back to FIG. 13, IR emitter 1322 emits IR light, asrepresented by IR light beams 1380-1385. When the IR light beams reachwindow pane 1395, some of the IR light beams (1382, 1383, 1385) may bereflected. In some cases, the reflected IR light beams (1382, 1383) maybe directed to lens 1320, which can cause interference, light flares,and other unfavorable artifacts that can reduce the quality of adetected image. By way of example, FIG. 14 shows a typical result with awindow-mounted camera system using IR emitters in a night vision mode ofoperation. In this case, a person 1410 is shown in the center of display1400. As can be readily seen, IR light from six IR emitters configuredaround the camera lens is reflected off the window pane and back intothe lens, which may appear as lens flares, interference, or other videoartifact. In some cases, the image can still be recognizable, but the IRinterference may still be evident.

FIG. 15 shows aspects of an enhancement to improve night vision in awindow-mounted modular video camera system 1500, according to certainembodiments. In some embodiments, IR light reflections off of acorresponding window pane can be reduced or eliminated all byintroducing a silicone material between the IR emitter and the windowpane. The silicone material can be pure silicone or any suitablesilicone-based compound (e.g., partially silicone) that is translucentto IR light. In some embodiments, non-silicone materials that areIR-transparent can be used. Generally, materials that are IR-transparentand not insulators are preferred. Camera system 1500 can include housing1510 with lens 1520 and IR emitter(s) 1522, base unit 1550 mechanically(rotatably) and electrically coupled to housing 1510, cover 1540,mounting apparatus 1545 coupled to window pane 1595, and siliconecompound 1590 configured between IR emitter(s) 1522 and window pane1595, according to certain embodiments. In some aspects, siliconecompound 1590 can be configured such that no gaps are formed between IRemitter 1522 and window pane 1595. Generally, silicone compound 1590 canbe configured in any suitable manner (e.g., attached to housing 1510 orcover 1540, “floating” between housing 1510 and window pane 1595, etc.),as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

In FIG. 16, IR emitter 1522 emits IR light beams 1580-1584, according tocertain embodiments. Light beams travel through silicone compound 1590unimpeded (or partially unimpeded) as silicone is translucent to IRlight. IR light beams 1580-1583 remain in silicone compound 1590 as theytravel to window pane 1595 and pass through without reflecting. Incontrast, IR light beam 1584 exits silicone compound 1590 and reflectsoff of window pane 1595 and back generally towards housing 1510. Thus,IR light beams that do not remain within silicone compound 1590 beforereaching window pane 1595 may be reflected back, as discussed above withrespect to FIGS. 13-14. To prevent IR light beams from exiting siliconecompound 1590, a border of silicone compound can be made opaque, suchthat IR light beams do not pass through. In some embodiments, the bordermay be reflective to cause IR light beams to reflect back into thesilicone compound. In some embodiments, the border of silicone compound1590 can be painted or coated with a black pigmentation, opaque materialor compound, or the like. One of ordinary skill in the art wouldunderstand the many variations, modifications, and alternativeembodiments thereof.

FIG. 17 shows aspects of an enhancement to improve night vision in awindow-mounted modular video camera system, according to certainembodiments. Camera system 1700 can include housing 1710 with lens 1720and IR emitter(s) 1722, base unit 1750 rotatably and electricallycoupled to housing 1710, cover 1740, mounting apparatus 1745 coupled towindow pane 1795, and silicone compound 1790 configured between IRemitter(s) 1722 and window pane 1795. In some embodiments, siliconecompound 1790 is configured such that no gaps are formed between IRemitter 1722 and window pane 1795. Silicone compound 1790 can includeopaque borders 1792 to prevent IR light beams from IR emitter(s) 1722.IR light beams 1780-1785 can be emitted by IR emitter(s) 1322 and cantravel through silicone compound 1790. IR light beams 1780-1783 traversesilicone compound 1790 and pass through window pane 1795 withoutreflecting off due to the properties of silicone. However, IR lightbeams 1784-1785 may contact opaque border 1792, which can prevent the IRlight beams from exiting silicone compound 1790. In some cases, border1792 may absorb the IR light beams, or reflect the IR light beams backinto the silicone compound, as would be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure. In someembodiments, the silicon compound (1890) can be pressure fit or squeezefit to fill the void between the corresponding IR emitter (not shown) onhousing 1810 and the pane of glass 1895, as shown in FIG. 18. Thesilicone compound can be coupled to the camera system in any suitablefashion. For instance, silicone compound 1990 may be coupled to housing1910 in the manner shown in FIG. 19. One of ordinary skill in the artwould understand the many variations, modifications, and alternativeembodiments of coupling a silicone compound to a camera housing. Notethe placement of a silicone compound covers the IR emitter, buttypically does not obstruct the camera lens. By way of example, FIG. 20shows a result using certain embodiments of a window-mounted camerasystem using IR emitters in a night vision mode of operation. In thiscase, person 2010 is displayed in the center of display 2000, which isgenerated by a night vision system using six IR emitters (not shown)configured around the camera lens. In contrast to FIG. 14, IR lightemitted by the six IR emitters are not visible (see areas 2020 where theIR light reflections would normally be without the silicone compound) asthe IR light beams are not reflected off the window pane and into thelens.

FIG. 21 shows aspects of a modular video camera system 2100, accordingto certain embodiments. Camera system 2100 can include housing 2110rotatably coupled to base unit 2140. Housing 2110 may include lens 2120.Base unit 2140 (e.g., battery pack) may include slot 2155. In someembodiments, base unit 2140 can be coupled to base support 2150 via atongue or shaft 2154 extending from an adjustable apparatus (e.g,ball-and-socket joint) 2152 of base support 2150 that is inserted orremoved from slot 2155 of base unit 2140, according to certainembodiments. The adjustable apparatus can have any suitable range ofmotion with respect to base support 2150. In some aspects, base support2150 may be coupled to surface mount 2160 via a quick release mechanism,and surface mount 2160 may be coupled to a surface 2170 via hardware2165 (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.). Note that “tongue” or “shaft” may beused interchangeably. In some cases, the base unit can be a batterypack, a backing (e.g., cone, or other modular attachment to couple tothe back of housing 2110) with a cord for a wall socket, a directlycoupled wall socket, a wall mount, a surface mount, or the like (see,e.g., FIGS. 4A-4F).

In some aspects, force F1 may define a minimum force to cause housing2110 to rotate with respect to base unit 2140, which can typically rangefrom 0.5-0.74 kgf, although other values and/or ranges can be used.Force F2 may define a minimum force to couple and decouple shaft 2154from slot 2155, which can typically range from 0.9-0.55 kgf, althoughother values and/or ranges can be used. Force F3 may define a minimumforce to rotate the adjustable apparatus (e.g., ball joint), which cantypically range from 0.5-0.55 kgf with housing 2110 and base unit 2140(e.g., battery pack) attached to base support 2150, or 0.9-1.0 kgfwithout housing 2110 or base unit 2140 attached to base support 2150,although other values and/or ranges can be used. Force F4 may define aminimum force to cause quick release mechanism 2156 (e.g., on a wallbracket) to release from surface mount 2160 (e.g., ball joint mountbase), which can typically range from 4-5.6 kgf, although other valuesand/or ranges can be used. Force F5 may define a minimum force to causesurface mount 2160 to detach from surface 2170, which may be very high,as screws or nails fastened to a wall stud or screwed into dry wall cantypically support 30+ kg, so a force to remove it may even exceed 100kgf in some cases, although other values and/or ranges can be used, aswould be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Certain embodiments may be configured so that the force increases fromthe front of camera system 2100 to the back. For instance, configuringforces F1-F5 such that F1<F2<F3<F4<F5 can ensure that rotating housing2110 (F1) does not cause base unit 2140 to couple or decouple from shaft2154 (F2), which in turn does not cause adjustable apparatus 2152 torotate along its range of motion (F3), which in turn does not cause basesupport 2150 from releasing from surface mount 2160 (F4), which in turndoes not cause surface mount 2160 to decouple from surface 2170. Someembodiments may include more or fewer forces that can be arranged in anynumber of different configurations, as would be understood by one ofordinary skill in the art. In one exemplary embodiment, a video camerasystem includes camera housing 2110 including a camera disposed incamera housing 2110, a base unit 2140 including a slot disposed therein,the base unit rotatably coupled to camera housing 2110 such that camerahousing 2110 can rotate with respect to the base unit on an axis, and abase support including a tongue extending from an adjustable apparatus2150 that can rotate over a range of motion, where the tongue can beinserted and removed from the slot of the base unit to couple anddecouple the base support from the base unit, and where the minimumforce to insert or remove the tongue of the base support from the slotof the base unit is less than a minimum force to rotate the adjustableapparatus of the base support such that inserting or removing the tonguefrom the slot does not cause the adjustable apparatus to rotate. Anymodular attachments can be configured in a similar manner. For example,any first modular attachment may be configured to beadjustable/removable in response to force that does not cause a nextcomponent (e.g., housing, base unit, modular attachment, etc.) to move.One of ordinary skill in the art would understand the many variations,modifications, and alternative embodiments thereof.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the disclosed embodiments (especially in thecontext of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both thesingular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearlycontradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,”and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning“including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term“connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within,attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening.The phrase “based on” should be understood to be open-ended, and notlimiting in any way, and is intended to be interpreted or otherwise readas “based at least in part on,” where appropriate. Recitation of rangesof values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method ofreferring individually to each separate value falling within the range,unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value isincorporated into the specification as if it were individually recitedherein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitableorder unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplarylanguage (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to betterilluminate embodiments of the disclosure and does not pose a limitationon the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language inthe specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimedelement as essential to the practice of the disclosure.

Preferred embodiments of this disclosure are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the disclosure.Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Theinventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations asappropriate, and the inventors intend for the disclosure to be practicedotherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, thisdisclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A video camera system comprising: a camera housing;a camera lens disposed in the camera housing; and a window mountingapparatus configured to mount to a window pane, wherein the camerahousing is operable to be mechanically coupled to and decoupled from thewindow mounting apparatus via one or more mounting features of thecamera housing surrounding the camera lens.
 22. The video camera systemof claim 21 wherein the mounting apparatus defines an aperture, andwherein, when the camera housing is coupled to the window mountingapparatus, a field of view of an imaging sensor coupled to the cameralens is unobstructed by aligning with the aperture.
 23. The video camerasystem of claim 21 wherein the window mounting apparatus couples to thewindow pane via a suction-element or adhesive.
 24. The video camerasystem of claim 21 further comprising a release mechanism disposed onthe window mounting apparatus to detach the video camera system from awindow pane when the release mechanism is activated.
 25. The videocamera system of claim 21 wherein the camera housing includes: aplurality of concentric electrical traces disposed in a back side of thecamera housing; and a notched mounting apparatus disposed on the backside of the camera housing, wherein the notched mounting apparatus isoperable to receive and secure a modular attachment to the camerahousing such that the modular attachment is mechanically and rotatablycoupled to the camera housing, and wherein one or more of the concentricelectrical traces are configured to contact one or more electricalcontacts of the modular attachment and remain in contact with the one ormore electrical contacts as the camera housing is rotated with respectto the modular attachment.
 26. The video camera system of claim 21wherein the modular attachment is a battery pack that electrically androtatably couples to the camera housing via one or more of theconcentric electrical traces and the notched mounting apparatus,respectively.
 27. The video camera system of claim 26 wherein thebattery pack further includes: a base support including: aball-and-socket joint providing a range of motion for the base support;and a tongue fixed to the ball-and-socket joint and extending therefrom,wherein a slot in the battery pack is configured to receive the tonguesuch that the battery pack couples and secures to the base support, andwherein an orientation of the battery pack with respect to the basesupport is adjustable according to the range of motion of theball-and-socket joint.
 28. The video camera system of claim 21 whereinthe modular attachment is a power module including a cable and adaptorto couple to a wall outlet.
 29. A video camera system comprising: acamera housing; and an imaging sensor disposed in the camera housing,the imaging sensor having a field of view along an imaging axis, whereinthe camera housing is configured to couple to a substantially planarsurface such that the imaging axis is substantially normal to and facingthe substantially planar surface when the camera housing is coupled tothe substantially planar surface.
 30. The video camera system of claim29 wherein the housing is configured to non-destructively couple to anddecouple from a mount that is coupled to the substantially planarsurface, and wherein the mount is outside of a field of view of theimaging sensor when the housing is coupled to the mount.
 31. The videocamera system of claim 30 wherein the mount couples to the substantiallyplanar surface via a suction-element or adhesive.
 32. The video camerasystem of claim 29 further comprising a release mechanism disposed onthe mount to detach the video camera system from a substantially planarsurface when the release mechanism is activated.
 33. The video camerasystem of claim 29 wherein the camera housing includes: a plurality ofconcentric electrical traces disposed in a back side of the camerahousing; and a notched mounting apparatus disposed on the back side ofthe camera housing, wherein the notched mounting apparatus is operableto receive and secure a modular attachment to the camera housing suchthat the modular attachment is mechanically and rotatably coupled to thecamera housing, and wherein one or more of the concentric electricaltraces are configured to contact one or more electrical contacts of themodular attachment and remain in contact with the one or more electricalcontacts as the camera housing is rotated with respect to the modularattachment.
 34. The video camera system of claim 29 wherein the modularattachment is a battery pack that electrically and rotatably couples tothe camera housing via one or more of the concentric electrical tracesand the notched mounting apparatus, respectively.
 35. A video camerasystem comprising: a camera housing including an imaging sensor, theimaging sensor having a field of view along an imaging axis; and a mountconfigured to attach to a substantially planar surface; wherein thecamera housing is configured to attach and non-destructively detach fromthe mount, and wherein the imaging sensor is rotatable along the imagingaxis when the camera housing is coupled to the mount.
 36. The videocamera system of claim 35 wherein the housing is rotatable with respectto the mount when the housing is coupled to the mount and when the mountis coupled to the planar surface.
 37. The video camera system of claim35 wherein the mount couples to the substantially planar surface via asuction-element or adhesive.
 38. The video camera system of claim 35further comprising a release mechanism disposed on the mount to detachthe video camera system from the substantially planar surface inresponse to the release mechanism being activated.
 39. The video camerasystem of claim 35 wherein the camera housing includes: a plurality ofconcentric electrical traces disposed in a back side of the camerahousing; and a notched mounting apparatus disposed on the back side ofthe camera housing, wherein the notched mounting apparatus is operableto receive and secure a modular attachment to the camera housing suchthat the modular attachment is mechanically and rotatably coupled to thecamera housing, and wherein one or more of the concentric electricaltraces are configured to contact one or more electrical contacts of themodular attachment and remain in contact with the one or more electricalcontacts as the camera housing is rotated with respect to the modularattachment.
 40. The video camera system of claim 39 wherein the modularattachment is a battery pack that electrically and rotatably couples tothe camera housing via one or more of the concentric electrical tracesand the notched mounting apparatus, respectively.